As trade policies are shifting, tariffs are fluctuating, and global supply chains are growing more complex, U.S. manufacturers are increasingly looking for new strategies to stay competitive. Nearshoring—especially to neighboring Mexico—has emerged as one of the most powerful responses to these global dynamics. Manufacturing in Mexico gives companies access to highly skilled labor, close proximity to the U.S. market, and favorable trade conditions through agreements like the USMCA. But to fully capitalize on the many advantages, many manufacturers are turning to an established solution: shelter services.

Shelter services allow U.S. manufacturers to enter the Mexican market with speed, efficiency, and reduced risk. From apparel and medical devices to food processing and home goods, a growing number of industries in Mexico are seeing success under this model. This blog explores why shelter services are a game-changer for manufacturers across nearly every sector, and how businesses like yours can tap into them to scale quickly and efficiently.

What Are Shelter Services—and Why Do They Matter?

Shelter services are a unique business model that allows foreign companies to operate in Mexico without establishing a standalone legal entity. Under this model, the shelter provider—such as NAPS—acts as the legal entity of record. This allows the manufacturer to focus entirely on its core production operations, while the shelter company manages the administrative, legal, and regulatory complexities involved in doing business in Mexico.

These services could include:

• Setting up and maintaining compliance with tax, labor, and environmental regulations;
• Managing payroll and human resources in accordance with Mexican labor law;
• Overseeing customs, import/export processes, and IMMEX compliance;
• Navigating local permits, audits, and certifications;
• Supporting site selection, infrastructure, and facilities setup, and much more.

Shelter services eliminate many of the barriers to entry that can slow down or deter foreign manufacturers from entering the favorable Mexico market. They also significantly reduce risk by ensuring that all administrative obligations are handled by experts familiar with the country’s regulatory environment. For small and mid-sized businesses in particular, this model can provide an immediate path to production and long-term growth—without the burden of figuring everything out alone.

Why Shelter Services Benefit U.S. Manufacturers

The advantages of shelter services are both strategic and practical. Here are just a few reasons manufacturers are seeing strong results by implementing this strategy:

1. Accelerated Market Entry

By leveraging the shelter provider’s existing legal structure and compliance framework, manufacturers can start operations within a matter of weeks—not months.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation

Shelter providers bring deep knowledge of Mexico’s labor laws, tax codes, environmental regulations, and government reporting. This ensures operational continuity and audit readiness from day one.

3. Cost Efficiency

Because shelter services consolidate administrative costs across multiple clients, they deliver economies of scale. Manufacturers also save on legal fees, staffing costs, and compliance overhead.

4. Access to Skilled Labor

Mexico offers a highly skilled workforce across diverse sectors. Shelter partners can assist in recruiting, onboarding, and training local talent, especially in technical or regulated industries.

5. Strategic Geographic Location

Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. allows for fast shipping, reduced transportation costs, and stronger control over supply chains. Many companies operating under shelter services establish facilities in key regions such as Baja California, Nuevo León, and Querétaro.

6. Flexibility and Scalability

The shelter model allows companies to scale production up or down without the legal entanglements of entity formation. Some manufacturers start under shelter and transition to full operations over time—while still retaining administrative support.

Industries in Mexico Thriving Under Shelter Services

Shelter services are not just for large automotive or aerospace companies. A wide range of industries in Mexico are benefiting from this model:

• Medical Devices: Mexico is the leading exporter of medical devices to the U.S., with manufacturers benefiting from the country’s high-quality standards and proximity to major healthcare markets.
• Apparel and Textiles: From cut-and-sew operations to high-performance wear, Mexico’s textile sector offers cost-effective labor and fast turnaround to U.S. customers.
• Consumer Products and Appliances: Many U.S. brands are relocating light manufacturing and final assembly to Mexico to improve delivery times and reduce shipping costs.
• Food and Beverage Processing and Packaging: With strict quality controls and rising demand for North American sourcing, food production facilities are increasingly setting up in central and northern Mexico.
• Electronics and Components: Smaller electronics firms are finding success nearshoring operations, especially for products requiring fast inventory cycles and regional delivery.
• Industrial Equipment and Tools: Tooling, injection molding, and specialty machinery companies are using shelter services to expand without needing full operational teams on the ground.

Why NAPS?

For more than 30 years, NAPS has been a leading shelter services provider supporting manufacturers across all major regions and industries in Mexico. With a deep understanding of cross-border regulations and hands-on experience in complex administrative operations, NAPS offers a comprehensive solution tailored to each client’s needs.

What sets NAPS apart is its full-service, high-touch model. From site selection and setup to labor management and compliance, NAPS brings a team of experts who stay closely involved throughout your manufacturing journey. Their clients benefit not only from time and cost savings, but also from long-term strategic support that scales with business growth.

Whether you’re launching a brand-new facility or transitioning current operations into a shelter model, NAPS simplifies the process and ensures you stay focused on what matters most—your core manufacturing operations.

Ready to Grow in Mexico?

With global uncertainty, shifting tariffs, and rising demand for nearshoring, shelter services offer U.S. manufacturers a proven model for success in Mexico. Whether you’re entering a new industry or expanding your existing footprint, this structure offers a competitive edge.

From compliance and cost control to talent acquisition and scalability, shelter services are helping foreign companies not only survive—but thrive—in Mexico’s dynamic manufacturing landscape. To learn more about how shelter services can benefit your business, reach out to the experts at NAPS today.